Fair Market Price

EPA MPG

Cargo (Std/Max)

Seating

2012 toyota 4runner Model Overview

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When it was introduced in 1984, the Toyota 4Runner was nothing more than a pickup truck with rear bench seats and a shell to cover the bed. The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is a much more polished ride designed to better compete with the long list of SUVs and crossovers on the market. But despite all the updates, the 4Runner still features a few key elements that help it maintain its off-road reputation. Unlike many of the crossovers on the road today, the 4runner still employs body-on-frame construction and a live rear axle.

The 4Runner comes with one engine option, a 4.0-liter V-6 that produces 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission (the four cylinder has been dropped for 2012). The Trail edition 4Runner increases off-road capability and traction by offering Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which electronically disengages the sway bars for increased suspension articulation and axle travel. Additional off-road tech offered on the 4Runner includes Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control.

For 2012, the SR5 and Limited models get new automatic running boards, while SiriusXM is now standard on the SR5 and Trail grades. The 2012 4Runner also features Entune, Toyota’s new infotainment system that combines smartphone, navigation, and a long list of high-tech options into one interface.

Body style: SUV

Engines: 4.0L V-6

Transmissions: 5-speed automatic

Models: 4Runner SR5, 4Runner Trail, 4Runner Limited

Like several models in the Toyota lineup, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner is available with Toyota’s new Entune infotainment system. In addition to navigation and XM Satellite Radio, Entune will connect to a smart phone via Bluetooth and will provide limited functionality through vehicle controls and voice command. Entune also features a number of mobile apps including Bing, MovieTickets.com and Pandora. Also new on the 2012 4Runner is an optional automatic running board for SR5 and Limited models.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner’s angular and sharp lines befit its off-road personality. The Trail model sports a no frills exterior with 17-inch alloy wheels, black bumpers, smoked taillights and headlights, front and rear mudguards, and skid plates for added protection on the dirt. The range-topping Limited model features 6-spoke, 20-inch wheels, a color-matched rear spoiler, as well as a number of chrome accents on the door handles, roof rails and front grille.

All trim levels come with standard power windows, door locks, air conditioning and a Homelink transmitting system. The Trail and SR5 are fitted with cloth seats, while the Limited model gets standard leather trim. The 4Runner Trail edition is fitted with added storage solutions that come in handy for off-road excursions such as a sliding rear cargo deck and an under floor storage box. The SR5 and Limited models are available with folding, third-row seats.

The 4Runner’s sole engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 that produces 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque; the engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is rated at 5000 pounds. Despite its body on frame construction, the 4Runner is surprisingly composed on normal roads, thanks to its suspension that includes sway bars. The Limited and SR5 models can be had in either rear-drive or four-wheel drive drivetrains, while the Trail is only available in four-wheel drive with a locking rear differential.

The 4Runner comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, four-wheel ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. Also standard are eight airbags (front, side, knee and curtains for all three rows), active head restraints, and three-point seatbelts. Safety Connect is optional and offers the ability to request roadside assistance; it will also automatically notify emergency personal in the event of an accident.

2012 Toyota 4Runner Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$31,090

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$27,975

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#13V014000 - SEATS

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Units Affected

3235

Recall ID#12V120000 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, ANTILOCK BRAKING AND STABILITY CONTROL MAY BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. DRIVERS SHOULD RECEIVE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WARNING THEM OF A MALFUNCTION.

GULF STATES TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REMOTE ENGINE STARTER WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-444-1074.

Units Affected

363

Recall ID#13V014000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.

2012 Toyota 4Runner News and Reviews

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